What are some common mistakes to avoid when networking with investors at events?

1 Choose the right events

Not every event is suitable for finding investors. Some events are more focused on education, inspiration, or entertainment, while others are more geared towards matchmaking, pitching, or feedback. You need to do some research before you attend any event, and find out who are the speakers, sponsors, organizers, and attendees. Look for events that have a clear theme, agenda, and target audience that align with your industry, stage, and goals. You can also use platforms like Eventbrite, Meetup, or AngelList to discover relevant events and filter them by location, date, or category.

2 Prepare your pitch and materials

Once you have identified some promising events, you need to prepare your pitch and materials. Your pitch should be concise, compelling, and customized to the event and the investor. You should be able to explain what problem you are solving, how you are solving it, what traction you have, and what you are looking for. You should also have a clear ask, whether it is a meeting, a referral, or a feedback. Your materials should include a one-pager, a deck, and a demo if possible. You should also have your contact information and social media profiles ready to share.

3 Approach investors with confidence and curiosity

At the event, you need to approach investors with confidence and curiosity. You should not be shy or nervous, but also not arrogant or aggressive. You should be respectful of their time and attention, and not interrupt them or monopolize them. You should also be curious about their background, interests, and preferences, and not just talk about yourself or your idea. You should ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and show genuine interest. You should also try to find some common ground or rapport, and not be too formal or too casual.

4 Follow up and follow through

After the event, you need to follow up and follow through. You should not wait too long or too short to reach out to the investors you met. You should send a thank-you email within 24 hours, and remind them of who you are, what you do, and what you discussed. You should also attach your materials and restate your ask. You should also follow through on any promises or commitments you made, such as sending more information, scheduling a meeting, or introducing someone. You should also keep them updated on your progress and milestones, and not spam them or ghost them.

5 Avoid these common mistakes

Networking with investors at events can be both challenging and rewarding. To maximize the success of your pitches, you should do your homework and target the right investors who match your criteria and goals. Additionally, you should pitch when you have some traction, validation, and differentiation, and when you have a clear runway and plan. Furthermore, you should have one specific ask that is relevant to the event and the investor, and that is realistic and actionable. When pitching, you should also have a story that captures the attention, emotion, and imagination of the investor, demonstrating your problem-solution fit, product-market fit, and founder-investor fit. Avoid pitching too early or too late, without a clear ask, or without a story.

6 Improve your skills and results

Finding investors at events is not easy, but it is possible. With some preparation, practice, and persistence, you can improve your skills and results. You can also learn from other entrepreneurs, mentors, or experts who have successfully raised funds from events. You can also use tools like Pitchbook, Crunchbase, or LinkedIn to research and connect with investors. You can also join communities like Startup Grind, Founder Institute, or Techstars to access more events, resources, and opportunities.